Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Preview – Premier League, December 7, 2024
The English Premier League continues with an intriguing matchup as Crystal Palace host defending champions Manchester City at Selhurst Park on Saturday, December 7, 2024. This clash pits a resilient Palace side against Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut, promising a fascinating encounter.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Competition: English Premier League
Match: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Venue: Selhurst Park, London, England
Kickoff Time: 5:30 PM (GMT)
Team Overview
Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson’s Palace have proven to be a tough nut to crack this season. While they may not boast the same star-studded lineup as their opponents, their collective discipline, counter-attacking style, and home advantage make them a potential banana skin for City.
Form: Mixed results in their last five games (two wins, two losses, one draw).
Key Players: Eberechi Eze, Marc Guรฉhi, Odsonne รdouard.
Strengths: Defensive organization, set-piece prowess, and counter-attacks.
Manchester City
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, continue to set the standard in English football. With a squad depth unmatched in the league and a penchant for controlling games, City are favorites to secure all three points.
Form: Four wins and one draw in their last five games across all competitions.
Key Players: Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri.
Strengths: Tactical versatility, ball retention, and clinical finishing.
Team News
Crystal Palace
Palace are battling a few injuries but can rely on a well-drilled squad to step up in key areas.
Injury Updates:
Michael Olise: Ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Jeffrey Schlupp: A doubt with a minor knock.
Nathan Ferguson: Still recovering from a long-term issue.
Suspensions: None.
Manchester City
City have had their fair share of injuries but possess the depth to field a strong XI.
Injury Updates:
John Stones: Unavailable due to a muscle injury.
Bernardo Silva: A late decision will be made on his fitness.
Jack Grealish: Out with a calf issue.
Suspensions: None.
Possible Lineups
Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone
Defenders: Joel Ward, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guรฉhi, Tyrick Mitchell
Midfielders: Cheick Doucourรฉ, Jefferson Lerma
Attackers: Jordan Ayew, Eberechi Eze, Will Hughes
Forward: Odsonne รdouard
Hodgson will look to keep his side compact defensively while relying on Eze’s creativity and Ayew’s energy to spark counter-attacks.
Manchester City (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defenders: Kyle Walker, Rรบben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol
Midfielders: Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Matheus Nunes
Forwards: Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Juliรกn รlvarez
Guardiola’s side will aim to dominate possession, with Haaland’s movement and finishing providing the focal point in attack.
Playing Ground – Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park is known for its passionate atmosphere, with Palace fans providing vocal support that can unsettle visiting teams. City, however, are no strangers to such environments and will look to impose their game early.
Head-to-Head
Manchester City have enjoyed a dominant record against Crystal Palace in recent years, but Selhurst Park has occasionally provided the stage for surprises.
Last 5 Meetings:
March 2024: Manchester City 2-0 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
October 2023: Crystal Palace 0-3 Manchester City (Premier League)
March 2023: Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City (Premier League)
August 2022: Manchester City 4-2 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
March 2022: Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester City (Premier League)
City have won four of the last five encounters, showcasing their superiority, but Palace’s 0-0 draw in 2022 serves as a reminder of their potential to frustrate the champions.
Tactical Analysis
Crystal Palace
Hodgson’s Palace will prioritize defensive solidity, packing the midfield and looking for quick transitions. Their set-piece threat, combined with Eze’s ability to unlock defenses, will be key to breaking City’s structure.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Stay compact and frustrate City’s creative players.
Exploit space behind City’s full-backs during transitions.
Maximize set-piece opportunities.
Manchester City
City’s possession-based approach will aim to suffocate Palace, forcing them into errors. Haaland’s physical presence and De Bruyne’s vision will be pivotal in breaking down the home side’s defense.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Dominate midfield and control the tempo.
Use overlapping runs from full-backs to stretch Palace’s defense.
Create overloads in wide areas to supply Haaland.
Key Players to Watch
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace): Palace’s creative talisman, Eze’s dribbling and vision make him a constant threat.
Odsonne รdouard (Crystal Palace): The striker’s ability to hold up play and convert chances will be vital for Palace’s hopes.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The prolific forward needs no introduction, with his finishing and movement setting him apart.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): De Bruyne’s passing range and ability to dictate games make him a game-changer.
Live Stream and Broadcast Information
UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League.
USA: NBC Sports, Peacock.
India: Star Sports Select, Disney+ Hotstar.
Global: Check local listings or visit the Premier League’s official website for streaming details.
Prediction
While Palace are capable of producing upsets, Manchester City’s quality and depth make them overwhelming favorites. Hodgson’s side will need to be at their absolute best to secure a positive result, but City’s clinical nature should see them emerge victorious.
Predicted Score: Crystal Palace 0-3 Manchester City